Leave animal rehab to the professionals

EDITOR:

Sierra Wildlife Rescue appreciates our rescuers of orphaned or injured wild mammals and birds more than we can say, and we could not do our job without the kind and compassionate members of the public who call us when they find an animal in need.

Wild babies, particularly, are adorable and we understand that it is tempting to want to care for them, but please do not attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal yourself as it takes special training to ensure success. The animal is likely to expire in the hands of an inexperienced person, and the first few hours of care are absolutely critical to its survival. In addition, it is illegal in California for anyone other than a licensed wildlife rehabber to keep a wild animal until it can be returned to the wild, or for anyone to keep one as a pet.

If you find an orphaned or injured wild mammal or bird it is important to call SWR immediately at (530) 621-4661 to reach an experienced rehabber for that species. If you find an orphaned or injured nestling or fledgling bird in May through July, call (530) 621-2020 and our Baby Bird Nursery will gladly care for it.

All of these little critters deserve the best possible care they can receive, which our rehabbers are extensively trained to provide. Thank you for understanding and helping us to save our wild animals in need.